A Memory that Lingers…
I was at home one evening when I heard a soft but insistent knocking on my door. I really didn’t feel up to having company but the person would not give up. I quietly glanced outside to see who it was. After seeing a little girl and boy standing there I opened the door. I didn’t recognize the faces of the children but they looked at me with the saddest eyes.
The little girl handed me a flower she was carrying and gave me a big hug. “I’m sorry about your mommy, Miss McIntosh,” she said. It was then I realized that the sadness I saw in their eyes was for me. Tears filled my eyes as I hugged her tight and said thank you.
The little boy then came and gave me a hug and the flower he was holding then quietly they held hands and walked down the street. I followed they with my eyes until they were out of sight, then I closed my door tears falling down my cheeks clutching the flowers they had given me.
This happened a few days after my mother died. I didn’t get the names of the children much to my regret and for some reason I couldn’t remember their faces. However, I thought about them often and I prayed that God would allow me to meet them again.
About two years later one of my fourth grade students came to me during recess. “Miss McIntosh,” she said. “Do you remember the little girl and boy who brought you the flowers when your mommy died?” “Yes, I do,” I replied. She smiled, “That was me and my little cousin.”
I grabbed that sweet little girl and hugged her tight. I told her that the flowers and hugs she and her little cousin had given me meant so much to me that I never forgot it.
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 (NLT)
Yesterday made six years since I said goodbye to my mom and for some reason that little girl and her cousin came to my mind. They didn’t know me personally, only as someone who taught at their school and lived in their neighborhood. However, they were sad because I was sad. They wept because I wept. They showed compassion and the love of Christ. They also gave me a treasured memory that will always be with me.
Do you have a memory that lingers of something special that someone said to you or did for you? I’d love to hear about it.
This is such a sweet story! How sweet of those children!
The story that came to mind when I read this was the package I received at Mother’s Day after suffering a miscarriage. It was a sweet little Precious Moments figurine (which I collect PM) and card. It showed me how thinking of someone and remembering them in their time of sadness really does make a difference.
Bethany
Beautiful.
What a perfect living example of Romans 12:15. The simplest act of kindness often leaves a lasting imprint on the lives of the recipient.
What a sweet memory, and certainly one that will last for a lifetime. If we could just remember that even the slightest act of love and kindness can make all the difference in the world to someone. Thanks for sharing Bernadine! 🙂